I regularly integrate team-building activities into my curriculum to reinforce essential skills like communication, collaboration, compromise, and positive group dynamics. One of my go-to exercises is a game I call ‘SHORE TO SHORE.’ While you may know similar variations, here is how I play it.
SHORE TO SHORE
Set-up:
- Create a shoreline on each side of the gymnasium. I use the sideline on each side. Inside the sidelines is the water.
- Place the following equipment (or whatever you have in your closet) on the shoreline for each group of 5-7 students:
- one folded gymnastics mat
- one balance beam
- 2 magic poly spots
The object:
Each group attempts to make their way across the river using on the equipment without falling in the water. I give the students 2-3 minutes to discuss a strategy before sending them off. Important: Make it clear that it’s NOT a race. Success is measured by the process, rather than how fast you make it across the water.
Once the action begins, students must work together by using the given equipment, working their way across the water. They must stand on the equipment and be sure to not step in the water. If a student accidentally steps in the water, that student must move to the back of the line of students. My older students must carry their equipment back to the original shoreline and start again.
If and when they successfully make it to the opposite shoreline, their job is not over. They need to ensure that they carry each piece of equipment onto the shoreline rather than leaving it in the water. Now it’s time to return to the original shoreline. However, they need to choose one piece of equipment to leave behind, making it a little more challenging. Each time they successfully cross, they remove another piece.
Of course, at the end of the activity, leave enough time for processing. This give the students an opportunity to reflect on their group’s effort.
There you have it. If you have a similar game, I’d love to hear about it so please share in the comments.
